| Although U.S. and Israel differ greatly in land area and national power, they build a close relationship with each other, which has always been defined as "special relationship" by theorists. The special relationship originated in Zionism period, and became mature during the Cold War, and then developed smoothly after the new adjustment of the strategic basis through the post-Cold War era. The establishment of the special relationship between the two countries has experienced a series of ups and downs, but such an alliance between a superpower and a small country has become a special case in the history of international relations.The specialty of US-Israel relationship is reflected in aspects of policy, economy, military affairs, and culture. On the political level, US-Israel special relationship firstly manifest in mutual support in policy and diplomacy. The United States is the first country to recognize the State of Israel. Besides, Israel always follows U.S. and stands firmly on her side among international society. On the economic level, the particularity of US-Israel relationship is reflected not only in the economic assistant from America to Israel, but also in the close economic ties and cooperation between the two countries. American economic aid to Israel features a large amount, a long cycle and a loose regulation. On the military level, the particularity is manifested in American military support to Israel as well as sharing and cooperation in terms of strategic military intelligence. On the social level, mutual recognition as well as academic exchanges between the two countries highlights the particularity of the bilateral relations.Based on a thorough study of the history and specialty of US-Israel relationship, this thesis explores the impetus factors of promoting the sustainment and development of US-Israel special relationship. The impetus factors mainly include strategy and security interests, American Jewish lobby and cultural identity, which have played different roles in developing US-Israel special relationship during different historical periods and which themselves have been in a process of joint construction. Consequently, this thesis carries out a dynamic study of US-Israel special relationship and its impetus factors.In view of the dynamic study of impetus factors of US-Israel special relationship, this thesis makes a prediction of future development of US-Israel special relationship. US-Israel special relationship is driven by many impetus factors, which show different characteristics and exert different influences during current period. Recently, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and promotion of democracy become strategic impetus factors in promoting US-Israel special relationship. Mutual cultural identity serves as a deep impetus factor to push forward US-Israel special relationship. American Jewish lobby will continue to play the role of assistant impetus factor in promoting the special relationship. The eastward shift of American strategy provides a valuable chance for the future development of US-Israel special relationship. Therefore, as long as the impetus factors still function, the special relationship between the United States and Israel will be sustained. |
